Country Officer - FMO

The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) is the secretariat of the EEA Grants and Norway Grants, and is affiliated to the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in Brussels.

We are looking for highly motivated and qualified candidates to fill 2 (two) Country Officer vacancies.

We expect candidates who are eager to work with the EEA and Norway Grants objective to reduce economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area (EEA) and to strengthen bilateral relations between the Donor States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and the 15 Beneficiary States (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Malta, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia).

The Grants are based on a programme model where the Beneficiary States are responsible for the programmes and for projects implemented under the programmes. A few programmes, notably regarding Civil Society, Regional Cooperation and Decent Work, are operated by the FMO.

The position is open to nationals of the EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).

Aðrar upplýsingar

The Country Officers serve as the primary contact point between the FMO, the National Focal Points (NFP) in his/her Beneficiary State(s) and the Donor States. S/he provides country coordination, maintains oversight of the implementation of the Grants, contributes to work on the bilateral objective of the Grants and follows the Beneficiary States’ political, social and economic developments. S/he is also expected to have analytical abilities and be able to contribute to cross-cutting analysis of developments across Beneficiary States. The work also includes administrative tasks related to these responsibilities. The position involves extensive travel.

The Country Officer will report to the Head of the Country and Bilateral Cooperation Department.

Tasks

• Maintain oversight of the implementation of the Grants; • Follows the Beneficiary States’ political, social and economic developments; • Provide country expertise both internally at the FMO and externally to the Donor States; • Work with Beneficiary State and Donor States actors to enhance bilateral relations; • Liaise closely with Donor State embassies in the Beneficiary State(s); • Guide the NFPs on all questions related to the Grants; • Coordinate internal FMO work related to the Beneficiary State(s) of responsibility; • Assess Beneficiary State reporting and report to the Donor States and other stakeholders on results; • Prepare and follow-up on annual meetings between the Donor States and Beneficiary States; • Contribute to the implementation of the FMO’s risk management strategy; and fulfil administrative tasks in relation to the work.

Qualifications

Relevant University degree, Master’s level.

Experience

5 years of relevant work experience in public administration, diplomacy, international organisations and/or programme/project management is required. A combination of work experience in these sectors and relevant work experience in or with one or several of the beneficiary states would be an asset.

One of the two positions is earmarked for the task of Country Officer for Hungary. For that position, we are looking for an individual with fluency in Hungarian and knowledge or experience related to Hungarian affairs, working experience in Hungary would be an asset.

Skills

• Knowledge of the public sector in the Donor States and Donors’ policies and priorities; • Good knowledge of the Beneficiary States would be desirable; • Analytical skills in respect of monitoring of progress of implementation, as well as in respect of monitoring of political, social and economic developments; • Ability to draft reports and analytical papers and ability to present complex issues clearly and convincingly; • Result-oriented approach, and a proactive and cooperative outlook; • Excellent diplomatic and negotiation skills; • Strong interpersonal abilities, including a dynamic and flexible attitude, and cultural sensitivity; • Self-reliance and autonomy, but also skills needed for team work; • Ability to multitask and work to tight deadlines.

Languages

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (the working language of the FMO). Further language knowledge, relevant for use in the Beneficiary States, is desirable.

Employment Terms

Grade: A4

Annual starting salary: EUR 93,799.92

Appointments are normally made at step 1 of the grade. The Director of the FMO reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level different from that advertised. Through its recruitment policy, the FMO wants to ensure diversity in terms of gender, age and culture.

We offer very interesting and challenging positions in a dynamic and diverse environment and the opportunity to work in a team of highly qualified people. Salaries and related payments are exempt from taxation by the EFTA Member States, and as regulated in headquarters agreements, in the EFTA host states. Depending on the candidate’s family status, benefits and allowances may apply.